Thursday, August 02, 2007

Gooooodwater!!!!

Whew! What a great time we had at Badwater! I can't thank my support crew enough for helping me have a race of a lifetime. They kept me focused and upbeat and encouraged me through the rough spots of the race. We ended up crossing the finish line in first place in the women's division.

I met ALL my goals:

1) We had fun2) I stayed injury free (different from not having pain)3) I finished the race4) I got the buckle under 48 hours5) I beat my time of 37:41 from the 2004 race5) I beat my goal of sub-36 hours6) I beat my "secret" goal of sub-35 hours

I plan on writing up at least a race summary when I have the time. In the meantime, many of you have seen pictures from the webcast, but in case you haven't seen Glenn's phenomenal photo journal of the race, you can go HERE to see it. You can also check out my pre- and post-race photos HERE.

Dave Bursler has written a honest and passionate report from his perspective. Everything about the race is in there (except for what I will add!). Grab a beer and a cigar and read his report HERE.

I also must thank all my friends and family who supported me all along the way - for the lucky socks, the Badwaterer cd, the advice, the confidence. There are no greater gifts than believing in someone and hugging someone when you have the chance. A few people in particular treated me and my injury several times a week during the two weeks before the race. THEY got me to the start line and gave me the OPPORTUNITY to win this race. Thank you Larry Ham, Gina Wolf, and Garrick Thompson.

We've raised quite a bit of money for the athletes at Team St. Lukes, but we still have about $2000 more to go. If you can, please consider donating $10 (or more!) to the kids. I have one more week to collect donations before presenting a check to the Team.

First of all congratulations on a great race at Badwater. I was on Lisa Smith-Batchen crew and I wanted to say that what you wrote on Lisa blog was indicative of a true champion and someone that makes all of this worthwhile. We started a "this is so not normal" club and I would like to be the first to offer you a lifetime membership. It was a pleasure being on the road with you and Lisa {I was pacing Lisa when you two were battling it out}.

Hi lisa, just a note to thank you for the kind words to me about my badwater solo finish. You are a true inspiration to me. i hope to go back next year "I can't believe I just said that" anyway I hope to go back and try to break the 60 hr cutoff now that I kind of have a clue. Ps you looked so awesome and beautiful crossing that finish line. terry abrams spokane wa

Great job. You are a great runner.Henrique Jacob and Patrícia Lucindo, Manoel´s Mendes crew send for you a Brazilian hug. Complete a run is a dream but help the people is an atitude. Thanks for show us more than just running.You are a true champion. We hope see you soon next year in Badwater.

Congratulations on a spectacular race! I was in awe of you when I joined the Maniacs a few years ago after you had finished your first Badwater and this amplifies the feeling even more now. You're an inspiration.

About Me

I am an ultra runner, physician and have been medical director of some of the toughest ultras. I tend to be a mover and a shaker and louder than my size suggests. However, my Gemini twin is gentler and contemplative, an artist, a writer, and a poet. I am a dog lover, a believer in souls, and have a special affinity for those who struggle because I have been there.

This is my crazy lovable huggable Weimaraner, Steely Dan. I call him Steely. He left us in January of this year at only 6 years from lymphoma that did not respond to chemotherapy treatments. Steely was a total goof. He loved trail running, road running, treadmill running, new experiences, making eye contact, sleeping on his back, me, kids, and liver treats. He was Zappa's best friend. We miss him dearly.

This is Stella. A rescue from the shelter. She's about 6 months old and a Border Collie. She is a joyous bundle of energy and curiosity and now also Zappa best friend. She will make a nice running partner when she grows up.

This is the now the big brother of my family - a rescued Greyhound. His name is Frank Zappa. I call him Zappa. He's 7 years old and has learned all about life beyond the track and crate from Steely when he was with us. It was very rewarding to watch his personality bloom as he settled into the family. And yes, he runs like the wind!

This is Natasha, my dearest friend. She was with me through college, medical school, residency, and she moved with me from Chicago to Spokane several years ago. She was my best running partner for 10 years. My sweet Natasha died from bone cancer in 2006. I miss her still. I hung a windchimes over the deck outside. When it chimes, I smile and think she has finally -- wherever she is now -- caught a squirrel!